Frontrunner For Moses Itauma’s Next Fight Now ‘Doesn’t Want It’

The heavyweight boxing scene is buzzing with anticipation around Moses Itauma, the 20-year-old sensation whose meteoric rise has made him one of the most talked-about fighters in the sport. But as his promoter revealed recently, finding willing opponents for the knockout artist is becoming more challenging than expected.

Frank Warren, Itauma’s promoter, confirmed that a major name was sent an offer to face the young star. The response? A clear refusal, leaving fans wondering who will step up next to test the unbeaten heavyweight.

Moses Itauma: The Heavyweight Prodigy

At just 20 years old, Moses Itauma has already compiled an impressive professional record. With 13 fights, 13 wins, and 11 knockouts, he has quickly become known for his devastating power and finishing ability.

Even more impressive is his tendency to end fights early. Out of his 11 stoppage victories, nine have come inside the first two rounds, showing just how dangerous he is once the bell rings.

His most recent outing against Dillian Whyte in August further cemented his reputation. Facing an experienced and world-level opponent, Itauma dispatched him in under two minutes—a result that shocked many and confirmed his readiness for the highest level of competition.

The Bold Callout: “I’m Ready for Usyk”

After defeating Whyte, Itauma did not shy away from ambition. In the immediate aftermath of his victory, he suggested he was ready to face Oleksandr Usyk, the current undisputed heavyweight champion.

While most fighters would spend years building up to such a challenge, Itauma’s confidence has sparked debate among fans, pundits, and former champions. Some argue that he is too young and inexperienced to take on a master like Usyk, while others believe his talent and fearlessness make him a genuine threat even at this stage of his career.

Frank Warren’s Revelation: The Offer Rejected

In an interview with talkSPORT Boxing, Frank Warren lifted the lid on the behind-the-scenes efforts to line up Itauma’s next opponent. According to the veteran promoter, a serious offer was sent to Filip Hrgovic, a proven heavyweight who has been competing at the top level.

“He’s been offered that fight, Hrgovic,” Warren said. “There’s two ways to say you don’t want the fight: you either say you don’t want the fight or you want a trillion pounds for it.”

Warren’s comments made it clear that Hrgovic’s camp effectively ruled out the matchup, either by outright declining or by pricing themselves out of negotiations.

Who Is Filip Hrgovic?

For context, Filip Hrgovic is a respected Croatian heavyweight who has built a strong reputation in the division.

• He has only one professional loss, which came against Daniel Dubois.

• He has notable victories over David Adeleye and Joe Joyce, two respected fighters in their own right.

• Known for his toughness and technical skills, Hrgovic is considered a legitimate contender at world level.

Given his track record, a fight between Hrgovic and Itauma would have been a major test for the young Brit. But for now, fans will have to wait for a different opponent to step forward.

Why Hrgovic May Have Said No

There are several possible reasons why Hrgovic turned down the fight:

1. Risk vs. Reward – Fighting a young, hungry powerhouse like Itauma comes with huge risks and relatively little reward. A loss could derail Hrgovic’s own ambitions for another title shot.

2. Financial Demands – Warren’s comment suggests that Hrgovic’s team may have asked for an unrealistic purse, effectively pricing themselves out of the fight.

3. Career Timing – Hrgovic may be targeting bigger-name opponents or waiting for title opportunities rather than risking everything against a rising star with little to gain in return.

Matchmaking Challenges for Moses Itauma

As Frank Warren pointed out, matchmaking for Itauma will be crucial over the next few years. While his talent is undeniable, the wrong opponent at the wrong time could either stunt his progress or push him into dangerous territory too early.

The challenge is finding fighters who are:

• Experienced enough to test Itauma.

• Respected enough to add credibility to his resume.

• Willing to take the risk of facing a 20-year-old knockout artist with nothing to lose.

It’s a delicate balance, but one that Warren and his team must carefully manage if Itauma is to become a world champion in the near future.

What’s Next for Moses Itauma?

With Hrgovic out of the picture, speculation will now turn to who Itauma faces next. Several names could be considered, depending on availability and willingness:

• Martin Bakole – A powerful and durable heavyweight who has been in with top competition.

• Joseph Parker – A former world champion who is still highly ranked and brings credibility.

• Zhilei Zhang – A dangerous puncher with international recognition.

• Up-and-coming contenders – Fighters like Jared Anderson or Efe Ajagba could also be intriguing matchups down the line.

The ultimate goal, of course, remains a shot at the heavyweight titles. But for now, the path must be carefully built step by step.

The Bigger Picture: A Future Star of Boxing

What makes Moses Itauma so exciting is not just his knockout power but also his youth. At 20 years old, he has time on his side. Even if he doesn’t challenge for a world title tomorrow, he could spend the next few years developing, learning, and fine-tuning his craft.

With the right matchmaking and continued success, Itauma could be positioned as the face of heavyweight boxing for the next decade.

His confidence in calling out Usyk may seem bold, but it also demonstrates his mindset. Unlike many prospects who take cautious steps, Itauma is not afraid to aim high—and that fearlessness is part of what makes him so appealing to fans.

Conclusion: Who Will Step Up?

The news that Filip Hrgovic declined an offer to face Moses Itauma has only heightened intrigue about the young heavyweight’s next move. While it may be frustrating for fans eager to see him tested, it also underscores just how dangerous and respected he already is in the division.

As Frank Warren continues working to secure the right opponent, one thing is clear: Moses Itauma’s rise is not slowing down anytime soon. With 13 straight wins, a reputation for early knockouts, and the confidence to call out the best in the world, he is already one of the most compelling stories in boxing today.

The question now is simple: who will be brave enough to fight him next?